Mary Louise Deakyne, 81

LEWES - Mary Louise Deakyne, of Lewes, formerly of Henlopen Acres, passed away peacefully in her residence on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 91. She was born Sept. 19, 1927, in Wilmington, daughter of the late Harry and Margaret Richardson. Mrs. Deakyne received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delaware. She taught junior and senior high school in Wilmington for a number of years. She was a former member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club and the Rehoboth Art League. She also volunteered with the Reach for Recovery program. She was currently a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church and for many years she did the lettering and signage for the annual All Saints' Christmas Shop and Antiques Show. She loved and adored her many animal friends and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be fondly remembered by many. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter "Buz" Clifton Deakyne Jr. (August 1999), a former mayor of Henlopen Acres; and her son, Walter Clifton Deakyne III (August 2006). She is survived by her daughter, Dina Louise Deakyne and her husband Joshua Wharton of Lewes; her granddaughter, Lauren Louise Johnson of Lewes; her sister, Sally Cottrell and her husband Dr. Frederick of Wilmington; her brother-in-law, Dr. David Deakyne and his wife Carol of Smyrna; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, at St. George's Chapel, 20274 Beaver Dam Road (Route 23), Angola, with Rev. Max Wolf officiating. There will be no calling hours. Burial will follow at All Saints' Cemetery, Angola. Arrangements are being handled by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958 or to the SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947. Send condolences to condolences@parsellfuneralhomes.com.